Card punching machine



1953 G. v. A. MALMROS ET AL 4 2,627,924

CARD PUNCHING MACHINE 9 Sheefis-Sheet 1 Filed May 28. 1949 INVENTORS GUSTAV V. A, MALMROS EDMUND A BARBER, JR

ENGSTROM AHORNEYM Feb. 10, 1953 G. v. A. MALMROS ETAL 2,627,924

CARD PUNCHING MACHINE 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 I Filed May 28. 1949 I f f I I I I I I NTORS MALMROS EDMUND A. BARBER. JR. JOHN R. ENGSTROM INVE GUSTAV V. A.

m U v Feb. 10, 1953 e. v. A. MALMROS ETAL 2,627,924

CARD PUNCHING MACHINE Filed May 28. 1949 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 7O INSULATION IG 9 INVENTORS GUSTAV v. A. MALMROS EDMUND A. BARBER JR.

JOHN R. ENGSTRdM BY Q a. cflx u A ORNEY Feb. 10, 1953 e. v. A. MALMROS ETAL CARD PUNCHING MACHINE Filed May '28. 1949 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 MALMROS JOHN R EN ld afixmm RNEY l2- INVENTORS TF'IG- l4- Feb. 10, 1953 G. v. A. MALMROS ETAL 2,627,924

CARD PUNCHING MACHINE Filed May 28. 1949 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 ZERO INVENTORS USTAV v. A. MALMROS 2 9 v "w wm ORNEY Feb. 10, 1953 s. v. A. MALMROS Er AL 2,627,924

CARD PUNCHING MACHINE Filed May 28 1949 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 R11b RlOb INVENTORS I6 17b GUSTAV v. A. MALMROS EDMUND A. BARBER,JR.

JOHN R. ENGSTROM A ORNEY Feb. 10, 1953 G. v. A. MALMROS ETAL CARD PUNCHING MACHINE 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed May 28. 1949 STAC KER \wOT RELEASE INVENTORS GUSTAV v. A. MALMROS EDMUND A. BARBER JR. 921} R. ENGSTRdM C9 AEORNEY Patented Feb. 10, 1953 "CARD PUNCHING 'MACHINE Gustav V. A. Malmros, Binghamton, Edmund" A. Barber, Jii, Johnson City, and John 'R. Eng-'- strom', EndicoTtt, N'. Y., assig'nors .to Interna' tional Business Machines Corporation, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application May 28,1949, seriainaesesi 8' Claims.

efiectingv the operation of punch pins; Thei'bail is connected by links and-levers to the armature ofa magnet which is energized as the inter'posers complete their movement under the bail. Some clearance mustbe provided between the bail and the interposersso that the latter may be moved without obstructionto their punchi'ngpositions. Movement of. the bail into engagement with the interposers and movement of the armature into engagement with an abutment as the bailisreturned to itslretracted position must necessarily produce considerablenoise. Such mechanism is also comparatively heavy and slow in its operation.

By providing a continuously rotating. cam in place of the bail and yieldingly supportingpins in engagement with the cam at points to act against the interposers when they are moved to punching positions,.a much quieter andifaster operation may be obtained. In order that the interposers may be moved to their punching positions without interference by the cam operated pins, there may be provid'edan electricaloperating means which is energized under the control of a commutator rotating with the cam. Other functions of the machine, such as spacing, skipping, etc., may be regulated by the commutator so that they take place at the proper times in the cycle of operation. To assure that the pins "are actuated to punch the card, there may be provided contacts which are closed after predetermined movement of the pins, and advancement of the card to its next punching position may be made dependent upon the closing of such contacts.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved machine for punching holes in cards and depositing the cards when punched into a hopper.

Another object is to provide a punching machine having improved means for' actuating punch pins so as to perforate a card.

A further object is toprovide, in a punching machine, a mechanism which actuates punch pins quietly. and at a high speed.

Yet another object is to provide a-punching .2. machine having a continuously rotating caifi adapted to actuate punch jpins after interposfs are moved to their punching positions and includ ing a commutator rotating with the camior fe'gu lating the energizing of magnets "so as to efie'ct'a movement of the interposers to theirpunching positions at the proper time. p

Another object is toprovi'de; in a machine'ior punching holes in different columns o'f a card, a continuously rotating cam 'foractuating'punch' pins whenlinterposer's havebeenmoved to'punch=- ing positions, and means operatively connected to the cam-for controlling movement of'the m capose'rs and the operation or means for positioning the card underthelpunch pins. Other objects of the invention will be pointed out in the following description a'ndclaims and illustrated. in the accompanying: drawings, which disclose, by way of example, theprinciple of the" invention'and the best mode, whichhas' been con" templated, of applying'that principle.

In-the drawings: v Fig. 1 is a plan view oftheimmovedpunehifig" machine. V

Fig. Z'is a front elevational view of thepunclf ing. machine taken on the line2-2' of'Fig. land with a cover for a portion ofthe operatingmecha-' nism removed.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken on the plane of the line' 3"-'3o'f'F'igi 1";

Fig. 4 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken on the plane of the line 44*of"Fig. 1';

Fig. .5 15a perspective'view of a portion o'fthe mechanism controlling the feeding'of cards;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged vertical sectional viewof" Figs. :13 and 14 are verticalsectional views;

takenon the planes of the lines- 13-43 and l 4==l 4", respectively, of Fig. '12-; v

Fig. 15 is -an enlargedvertical sectienal view taken along the line l5l5 of Fig. l and showing the last column contacts and the mechanism for operating them.

Fig. 16 is a time chart showing the operation of the various contacts for controlling electrical circuits.

Figs. 17a, 17b and 170, taken together, and arranged end to end, constitute a wiring diagram for the punching machine.

Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1 and 2, it will be noted that the improved punching machine includes, in general, a picker 1 which is operable to advance cards singly from the bottom of a card stack in a hopper 2 to the left along the surface of a plate 4. As a card is advanced to the left, it passes under a flexible member 6 (Fig. 5) carried by a rack 1. Fixed to the rack at its left-hand end is a stop 8 (Fig. 1) for limiting the forward movement of the card. When the card engages the stop 8, the member 6 snaps down behind the trailing edge of the card and serves as a pusher for advancing the card upon movement of the rack to the left. Mechanism to be described later is provided for moving the rack step-by'step so as to present columns on the card successively to a row of punch pins [2 (Fig.3).

When the card has been moved to a point where its last column is presented to the punch pins, the forward edge of the card extends between a pair of feed rolls M (Fig. 2), the upper one of which is carried by a lever l5 pivotally supported at 16 and operatively connected at one end to the plunger of a solenoid IS. The lever is normally held in a position so that the upper feed roll 14 is free of the lower feed roll, but an energ'izing of the solenoid causes the lever to rock in a clockwise direction and engage the feed rolls with the card for advancing 'it to the left. Another pair of feed rolls 20 are arranged in a position to receive the card from the feed rolls I4 and to advance it to a stacker mechanism (not shown) in a hopper 2i. Fixed to the lower feed rolls l4 and 20 are gears 23 and 24 meshing with a gear 25 which is driven continuously by a motor 26 through a belt 21 and a pulley 28 carrying a gear 30 meshing with the gear 25. The mechanism for ejecting and stacking the cards in the hopper 2| forms the subject matter of a patent application of Edmund A. Barber, Jr., filed May 28, 1949, Serial No. 95,936.

For reciprocating the picker I there is provided a bar 34 guided for reciprocation in a channel 35 and having a laterally extending arm 36 operatively connected to the picker. At the left-hand end of the bar 34 is a rack portion 38 (Fig. 6) having teeth at its lower edge engaging a gear 40 which is loosely mounted upon a shaft 41 rotatably supported by the frame of the punching machine. The shaft M is driven by a motor 42 (Fig. 2) in a counter-clockwise direction through suitable gearing (not shown), and fixed to the shaft is a ratchet 43 having teeth which are adapted to be engaged by a tooth 44 on a dog 45. A plate 41 is freely mounted upon the front end of the shaft 4!, and fixed to the plate is a pin 48 upon which the dog is pivotally mounted. Arranged adjacent to the gear 40 is a magnet 50 having an armature 5! which normally engages the right-hand end of the dog 45 for holding the tooth 44 out of engagement with the ratchet 43. When the magnet 50 is energized, the armature 5| is moved to a position for releasing the dog so that the latter may be moved by a spring 52 into engagement with the ratchet'for effecting rotation of the plate 4! in a counter-clockwise direcion.

Fixed to the plate 41, as shown in Fig. 2, is a pin 55 to which one end of a link 56 is pivotally connected, and the opposite end of the link is pivoted at 51 to a member 58 having a pin and slot connection 60 with a gear sector 61 pivotally supported at 62. The gear sector 6! meshes with a gear 64 (Fig. 6) which is fixed for rotation with the gear 40. As the plate 41 make one complete rotation from its home position in Fig. 2, the gear sector BI is actuated through the link 56 and the member 58 to rotate the gear 40 first in a counterclockwise direction and then in a clockwise direction. When the plate 41 reaches its home position, a detenting lever 66 (Fig. 2) engages the pin 55 and yieldingly holds the parts against movement.

Arranged below the magnet 50, as shown in Fig. 6, is a lever 68 pivotally supported at 69 for controlling the operation of two pairs of contacts l0 and H. The armature 5| normally engages the lever and holds it in a position so that the contacts 10 are held open and the contacts H are held closed through an insulating member [2 engaging blades of the contacts. When the armature is attracted to the magnet 50, the lever 68 is released and the tension of the contact blades swings the lever in a clockwise direction to effect a closing of the contacts 10 and an opening of the contacts H. The contacts 10 are connected (as shown in the wiring diagram of Fig. in a circuit for controlling the operation of the motor 42. A continuous circuit is provided for the motor 42 through a resistance 15, and the contacts 10 operate when closed to shortcircuit the resistance 15 for effecting operation of the motor 42 at a high speed.

When the magnet 50 is energized to attract the armature 5|, the dog 45 is released so that the tooth 44 engages the ratchet 43. and the lever 68 is released to permit a closing of the contacts 10. The motor then operates at a high speed to drive the gear 40 in a counter-clockwise direction through the ratchet 43, the dog 45 and the mechanism for operating the gear sector 5|, as described above. As soon as the rotation of the gear 40 in a counter-clockwise direction has been completed, a finger 18 carried by the plate 41 engages a projecting portion 19 on the lever 68 for swinging the latter in a counterclockwise direction to open the contacts 1'0. The motor 42 is then energized through the resistance 15 to efiect its operation at a slow speed while the gear 40 is rotated in a clockwise direction to return the picker to a position for engaging the next card.

Shortly after the magnet 50 has been energized, it is then deenergized, as will be described later, and its armature returns to a position for engaging the free end of the dog 45 after one complete rotation of the plate 41 has been effected. The lever 58 is returned by the finger 18 to a position for engagement by the armature 5| so that the contacts 10 are held open until the magnet 50 is energized once more. It will be appreciated that the motor will continue to operate at low speed as long as the contacts 10 are held open, but the driving of the gear 40 is discontinued as soon as the dog is moved out of engagement with the ratchet 43.

While the picker I is moved to the left, the

rack 1 is moved to the right in Fig. 1 so that the card may be positioned between the front stop ee/per a and the pushers with the nrst'column of the card arranged under the row of punch pins l2. For moving the rack 1 to the right, there is provided'a' gear 89 (Fig. 6) meshing with teeth at the upper edge of the rack 38 and freely mounted upon a shaft 8| journaledin the frame of the punching machine. Connected to the shaft 8 i, as shown in Fig. 10, is a-gear 82 meshing with teeth along the lower edge of the rack i. The shaft 8| is driven by the gear 80 through a clutch mechanism-comprising a cam at hired to the gearBfi and having a notch 85 adapted to receive a dog'BS-pivotally supported by an arm 8! which is fixedto the shaft-8!. A-cam lever 99' is pivotally supported at 9| and is engageable with thedog 86 for moving the latter free of the notch 35. Attached tot-he left-hand-end of therack 38' is-ablock as which engages the lever Si; when the rack is moved to its extreme righthand-position, and the lever 95 is actuated by the block toswing the dog as out of engagement with the notch 85. Upon movement of the rack SB-to the left, the dog 5i; is'released to engage the notch 85 and effect rotation of the shaft 81 in a clockwise direction in Figs. 6 and-8. When the rack- 38 is moved to the right by the gear 4%], the gear 86 and the cam 84- are rotated in acounter-clockwise direction and the dog 86 rides freely on thesurface of the cam until'the block 93- engages the lever 88 for moving the dog to its released position. The

mechanism for actuating the picker and the card rack is'similar tothat disclosed by the Brand et al. Patent No. 2,333,461, and further description herein is believed to be unnecessary.

Escapement mechanism The rack I is urged to the left in Fig. 1 or to the right in Fig. 1G by a suitable'yielding means (not shown), and its movement is controlled by an escapement mechanism comprising a stepping pawl dtand a holding pawl 98 (Figs. 10 and 11) which coact with teeth 99 at the upper edge of the rack l. The stepping pawl 95 is provided with an elongated slot H38 through which a pin H32 freely extends. A member EM is pivotally mounted upon the pin H32 and is operatively connected through'a rod l05'to the plunger of a solenoid I06. The rod N35 has an enlarged rounded end 38' fitting in a socket at the lower side of a-fiange portion on the member Hit, and a spring H2 acts between a collar Hi9 on the rod and the member I94 for holding the latter againstthe end I98. Fixed to the member its is a pin El i extending through a slot H5- in thestepping pawl 95, and this pin operates to lift the pawl out of engagement with the teeth 99 when the member MM is rocked in a clockwisedirection by an energizing of the solenoid it. A spring ll! acts against a projecting por tion- H8 of the member I04 for urging it to a position which permits engagement of the pawl with the teeth 99. Pivotally mounted upon the pin I02 is another member 12!) carrying a pin G22 which extends into a notch in the holding pawl 58 for positioning it relative to the teeth 93. The member I20 isconnected by a spring 123 to the member I04 so that it is yieldingly moved with the member in a clockwise direction. A spring I24 connects the stepping pawl'Sii to the member 120 to effect a movement of the pawl to the left after it is disengaged from the teeth 99. A flange portion 120a on the member I2!) by the member I04 for limiting upward movement of 'the memberlz-t: relative to the meme ber H341 When thesol'enoid N36 is energized, tnememher H St is rocked in a clockwise direction andthe member are is rocked with it--un til the holding: pawl engages the rack 1. After the holding" pawl is positioned for engagement by a tooth--99, the

member m ioperates through thepin new lift the stepping pawl 96. The spring 24 then moves the stepping pawl tothe left for engagement by the next'tooth 99 when therackl mov es to the right upon a lifting of theholdiiig pawl. As th'e stepping pawl is moved to the left it engages' a lever E26 (Fig. 10) and rocks'the latter to open- A deem-- ergizin'g of the solenoid :88 results in a rocking.

a pair of normally closed contacts [21.

of the member set in a counter-clockwise direction' to drop the stepping pawl first and then to' raise'the' holding pawl. The rack 1 is moved-"by the yielding means (not shown) as soon asthe holding pawl is raised, and the stepping pawl is engaged by the next tooth stand is carried with' the rack 'iuntil the pin H32 engages the end of Upon movement of the stepping. pawl to the right in Fig. 10, the contacts i2 l return to their closed'positions. The movement: of the rack is such that the card is advanced one" the slot iilil.

column under the punchpinst2.-

It will be appreciated that- -the movement or the rack 7 under the control of thee'scapement Sometimes it is necessary that'the rack" be advanced soas to move. a card several columns relative to the punch pins. In order that this may be accomplished, there is provided a skip 5 bar we (Figs. 10 and 11) extending 1ongitudinally of the rack l and fixed for movement therewith. A so-called skip lifter 31 5 and 11) extends'under the stepping pawl 96 and is' provided with the usual tapered end which coacts with the skip bar for'holding the stepping pawl raised-when high or intermediate portions of the harem in line with the lifter. A' lever I32- is pivotally supported at E33 and is operatively connected to the skip'lifter KM and to the" 96 and energizing the solenoid 34 to move the thicker portion of the skip lifter under the stepping pawl. A release of the skip key deenergizes' the solenoid m5 but the solenoid I35 remains energized until the stepping pawl again engages the rack i. The intermediate portion of the rack and the thicker portion of the skip lifter operate to hold the stepping pawl raised until a low portion Etta of the bar moves under the lifter'and permits the same to drop for engaging the pawl 96 with the rack. The solenoid I34 is then deenergized' and the skip litter is moved away from the skip bar by a spring I36 until'on'lyits thinend portmu'iiesunder the stepping pawl. if this" solenoid I06 is energized again to lift the stepping pawl for effecting a spacing operation and a high portion I30b on the bar moves into line with the skip lifter because of such spacing, the thin end portion of the skip lifter riding over the high bar portion is sufficient to hold the stepping pawl raised and eilect a skipping operation until another low portion comes under the skip lifter.

In order that the rack I may be moved from any position to the point at which the last card column is presented to the punch pins I2, there is provided, as shown in Fig. 5, a member I38 which is slidably supported by a guide plate I39 in a position beneath the skip lifter I3I. A bent portion I40 at one end of the member I38 is adapted to ride upon the guide plate I39 and operate the skip lifter ISI for holding the pawl 96 in a raised position out of engagement with the rack I so that the latter may be moved to its extreme lefthand position. For actuating the member I38. there is provided a lever M2 pivotally supported at I43 and operatively connected to the plunger of a solenoid I45. An energizing of the solenoid results in a moving of the member I38 over the guide plate I39 so as to actuate the skip lifter ISI for holding the pawl 96 in a raised position. The solenoid I06 is energized with the solenoid I46 so that the stepping pawl is lifted by the solenoid I06 and is then held raised by the skip lifter.

Punching mechanism For actuating the punch pins I2, there is provided, as shown in Fig. 3, a cam I50 rotatably supported by the frame of the punching machine and continuously driven by the motor 25 (Fig. 2) through a belt II and a pulley I52. Each of the card columns has twelve index points at which one or more holes may be punched by the pins I2. There are, therefore, provided twelve pins which are guided by a block I54 in line with the index points and are normally held in their raised positions by springs I56. A yoke I51 is connected to each of the pins I2 and is engageable with the cam I50 so that the pin is positively moved to its raised position after it has been actuated to punch a hole in a card. Arranged beneath the cam I50 in line with the punch pins are members I59 which are yieldingly supported in engagement with the cam by springs I60. The mass of each of the members I59 and the stiffness coeificient of its spring I60 are such as to produce a natural frequency somewhat greater than the rotational speed of the cam so that the member 159 follows the cam without bounce.

Extending transversely of the pins I2 are bars or interposers I64 having reduced end portions which normally rest upon the pins beneath the members I59. A magnet MI is operatively connected to the interposer I64 in Fig. 3 for moving it to the left against the action of a spring I66 so that an enlarged portion of the bar lies between the pin I2 and the member I59. Th next adjacent interposer I64 is operatively connected to a magnet M2 which positions it relative to its punch pin I2. Magnets for the other punch pins are staggered in a similar manner to conserve space. Connected to the yoke I51 for each of the punch pins arranged in positions to punch holes in the cards at index points 1 to 9 is an insulating member I68 which operatively engages one of a pair of contacts I69 so as to move it to a closed position when the punch pin is actuated a predetermined distance in a hole punching direction.- Each of the yokes for the punch pins arranged in positions to punch holes at the index points 10, 11 and 12 carries a similar insulating member which is engageable with one of a pair of con tacts I70 (Fig. 170) for moving it to a closed position upon actuation of the pin a predetermined distance in a. punching direction.

Commutator The moving of the interposers I64 to positions between the punch pins and the members I59 can take place only when the cam I50 is within a predetermined range of angular positions. In order that the magnets M may be energized at the proper time for moving the interposers to their punching positions, there is provided a commutator I12 (Figs. 10 and 12) which is fixed for rotation with the cam I50. The commutator I12 has a conducting member I14 which is engaged continuously by a brush H5. At one side of the member I'M is a projecting portion I'II fitting within a recess in an insulating member I18, and projecting from the other side of the member IN is a portion I30 which fits within a recess in an insulatin member I8I. The portion I'I'I is engageable by a brush I8 5 through 90 of rotation, and the portion I89 is engageable by a brush I through 180 of rotation.

The cam I50 is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction in Fig. 3 and it is assumed that the cam is in its position when its high point is farthest from the member I59. Th projecting portion Ill and the brush I84 are so arranged that the brush first engages this portion when the cam reaches its 285 position, and engagement is maintained until the cam reaches its 15 position. The projecting portion I89 and the brush I85 are so arranged that the brush first engages this portion when the cam reaches its 330 position, and the engagement is maintained until the cam reaches its position. The operation of the commutator to control the energizing of the magnets M will be discussed in connection with the wiring diagram.

Keyboard Energizing of the various magnets and solenoids is initiated by manual operation of keys I90 (Figs. 1 and 9) which are marked with numerals and letters in accordance with the standard keyboard arrangement. There are also provided three additional keys I908, N013. and I90T identified as the skip, release and stacker keys, respectively. Each of the keys is connected to a lever IQI pivotally supported at I92 and operatively engaging a bail I03 having an upwardly extending arm I9 3 which is adapted to close a pair of contacts I95. A link I06 connects the lever I9I, shown in Fig. 9, to a pivoted member I91 for effecting engagement of contacts I90 carried by three conducting blades I99, upon actuation of the key. A link 200 connects the next adjacent lever I9I to a similar pivoted member I97 for closing other contacts I98, as shown. The sets of contacts controlled by the other adjacent lovers are staggered in a similar manner. A space bar 202 is connected to a lever 203 which operates through a link 204 for closing a pair of contacts 205 when the bar is depressed.

Master card sensing mechanism At times it is desired that the energizing of the interposer magnets be effected automatically by contacts :231 224, the armature 222 is operated to raise the brushes 2 Fl into engagement with the master card andto open the: contacts 230 while closing the contacts 23I.

-the sensing. of perforations in a mastercard. Fixed to the rack I are laterally projecting arms 2.08and-209- (Figs. 1.and, 4-) carryingmembers 2 I and. 2:I2 between,which the master card .214 is arranged for-movement over the surface of a plate 2I5. A-contact member 216 is rotatably .suppor-tedin engagement with theupper side of the mastercardand brushes 2 I'i-are supported by an insulating. blocki 2l8jin positions beneath the --card,-. as shown. Twelve brushes 2H are provided, -.one for each index; point in a card. column, and .these .brushesareadapted to sense perforations in a column of the master card when th corresponding columnon the card to be punched is located: under the punch pins. The block 2 I 8, is ;.c,onnected;to a member 2I9pivotally supported at; 220 and connected by av-1ink122'I tothe armature.- 222 of-amagnet-224. The-brushes 2I'Imake contact with :the member :2I6- through holes .in thecard when theyare-ra-isedto their upper positionsby-a rocking of the member-2H] in aclockwisedirection. Conducting members'228 are supported in line with the brushes 2!! and have continuous-engagement with the brushes. Arranged -.-adjac,ent'to the:armaturei222' is a pair of normally closed. contacts 123i) and apair of normally open Upon energization of the magnet Pivotally supported adjacent the contact member2l6 is a bar 234 which is nor- 'mally heldina raised position bya spring, not shown. Topper-ate the machine automatically under the control of the master card, the bar 2'3'4--must-be;moved to its lowered position where it-is-heldby alatch23l. With the bar 234 in its-lowered position,a; pin 2330f insulating materialis positioned to close a pair of contacts 239 which are connected in a circuit including the "magnet 224.

Last columncontacts.Attached-tothe rack i (Figy15) is ,a projectin memberm l whichoperates whenthe rack is in its last column position to rock. a lever.245 and close a pair of so-called last column contacts 246.

Circuit diagram The coordination of the various mechanisms described will now be made clear in a 1 discussion of thewiring diagram ofFigs. 17a, 17b and 170.

, A number ofrelaysareshown inrthese figures and each is identified-'by the.letter R. The :contacts controlled by the relaysare given :the same reference characters as the ;relays, followed by a lower-case letter. Thus, RI represents a relay,

andRla, RI-b, etc., represent contacts operated thereby. Toavoidcross-wiring, the contactsare located, in manycases, at points remote from their controlling relays. In such cases, the relays are shown dotted adjacent the contacts.

a circuit through its-holding winding to maintain the contacts closed.

The 'interposer magnetsMI to MI2 position interposersle l to effect' -punching ofthe cards at corresponding numbered index points and relays "numbered interposer magnets.

10 RI .to RI2. control circuits to the corresponding A digit is recorded on a card by perforating it at the corresponding digital indexpoint, and an alphabetic character is recorded by perforating the cardat one of the indexpoints 1 to 9, as well'as at one of the so-called zone positions 10, 11 and 12. The complete coding arrangement'for' the alphabet is as given in the following table where'the As shownin Fig. 17a,the lower blade of the contacts I98 for each key I is connectedto a common conductor 250 which communicates through normallyclosed contacts RI 5a (Fig. 7b) with'a conductor 25L Referring to Fig. 170, it will be noted that the conductor 25I is connected through normally closed-contacts II (Fig. '7) to a conductor 252 which maybe connected to one side of a; power line 254 "through a manually operated switch "255. The middle blades for the contacts I98 of the alphabetic keys are connected to one of the relays RIIL RII or RI2, while the upper blades forthese contacts are connected-t0 one of the relays Rl to R9. The middle-blades for the contacts I9-8'of'thenumerical-keys are connected to the corresponding numbered relays RI to R9, andno connectionis made to the upper blades of these contacts. The relays RI to RI2 are connected'to a conductor 25! which maybe connected to the power line 254 through the switch 255.

Whenthe magnet-50 in Fig. 6 is 'energized,- its armature operates to release the dog for engagement with the ratchet 43, and the lever-68 is'released so that the contacts"!!! close andprovide a circuit from the, power line through-'theconductor 252, the contacts 10, the motor 42 andthe conductor 1251to the power-line. The contacts II open :at the 'same'time tOLpreVent 'energization .of the reading and punching circuits during the card feedingoperation. The motor then operates at ahigh speed to move the picker tothe left and thecard rackl 'tothe right until the card is'positionedbetween the cardjpusher fifand the front card stop 8. When the card is so'positioned, the finger Hioperates the lever, 68 to openthe contacts lo'andto close thecontacts H. The motor AZ-is then energized through the resistance '15 andoperates at a'slow'speed'to return the picker to a position for. engaging another card. With the contacts II closed, the keys I90 maybe operatedto. effect an energizing of the interposermagnets M and the spacing solenoid I06.

Numerical munching-For purposes "of explanation,.it will be assumed'that the #5key is operatedto close its contactsl98. With the contacts for this "key closed, a circuit is completed *from .the power line 2514*through the switch '255, the conductor:252,the contacts'l'l, the conductor v25 I,

7 the normally closed contacts RIa, the conductor 250, the contacts I98 for key #5, the relay R5 and ductor 259 and the winding of the relay R5 for maintaining it energized. Contacts R51) (Fig. 171)) are closed simultaneously with the closing of the contacts R5a so that a circuit may be completed from the conductor 25l through the contacts I21 (Fig. 170), a conductor 26I, the 28515 portion of the commutator I12, the contacts R512, and a control relay RI3 to the conductor 251. If the contacts R52) are closed before the 28515 commutator connection is completed, then the relay RI 3 is first energized when the 285 position is reached. A closing of the contacts R5b at a time after the 285-15 commutator connection is completed results in an energizing of the relay RI3 simultaneously with the closing of the contacts R511. The timing diagram of Fig. 16 indicates the operation when the relay R5 picks up simultaneously with the completion of the circuit through the 28515 commutator. The relay RI3 picks up 70 after it is energized. This means that a picking up of the relay RI3 cannot take place until the next machine cycle if the contacts R517 close more than 20 after the connection is completed by the 28515 commutator.

Energizing of the relay RIB results in a closing of its contacts Rl3a to complete a circuit from the conductor 250 through contacts RIlIa, the contacts R511, and the relay RIB for maintaining the latter energized. Contacts RI3b (Fig. 17b) are closed at the same time to complete a circuit from the conductor 250 through the conductor 259 (Fig. 170:), the contacts R511, 2. conductor 264, the interposer magnet M5 and the relay contacts RI3b to the conductor 251. As shown in the timing diagram, the magnet M5 has its interposer positioned for punching 120 after the relay Rl3 picks up, the high point of the cam I50 then being in its 115 position. The latest at which an interposer may be moved by its magnet to a punching position is when the high point of the cam is in its 135 position.

Relays contacts Rl3c (Fig. 172)) close at 355, this being the point at which the relay RI9 picks up in the timing diagram, and complete a circuit through the spacing solenoid I06. This solenoid lifts the stepping pawl 96 so that it is ad- I contacts RIZd, the contacts RI3d which are now closed because the relay RI3 is energized, and the pick-up coil for relay RI5 to the conductor 251. Closing of the contacts I69 takes place, as

shown in Fig. 16, when the high point of the cam is in its 230 position.

The relay RI5 operates 10 after it is energlzed by the closing of the contacts I69 to close the normally open contacts RI5a and complete a circuit from the conductor 25I through the normally open contacts Rl5a, a conductor 210, a conductor 2' and the solenoid I06 to the conductor 251. The normally closed contacts Rlia are opened to deenergize the relays R5 and RI3. Relay contacts R5a then move to their open position at 340 for breaking the holding circuit to relay R5, and the contacts RI3a open at the same time to break the holding circuit for relay RI3. Contacts Rfib open to prevent an energizing of the relay RI3 through the commutator 285-'l5, and the contacts Rl3b also open to prevent an energizing of the interposer magnets until circuits are again established by an operation of one of the keys I90. Contacts RI3c open so that the solenoid I06 is energized only through the normally open contacts RI5a, and contacts Rl3d open to break the circuit through the relay RI5 and effect a return of the contacts RI5a to their normal positions for deenergizing the solenoid I06. The provision of a circuit through the normally open contacts RISa, until the relay RIS is deenergized by the opening of contacts RI3d is sufficient to maintain the solenoid I06 energized until the punch pin is withdrawn from the card. The deenergizing of the solenoid I06 to efiect an operation of the escapement mechanism for advancing the card to the next column takes place at 350, and the contacts I21 close on the completion of escapement 240 after the solenoid is deenergized. The commutator 28515 has already moved through its second closed period and so circuits cannot be established again to effect punching until the third cycle is reached. The interposer magnet M5 is deenergized 50 after the relay RI5 picks up its contacts, and the interposer is returned to its normal position by the spring I66.

Each time that a key is operated, the bail contacts I (Fig. 9) are closed. These contacts are connected, as shown in Fig. 170, in a circuit from the conductor 25I to normally open contacts RI5b. If a key is held down by the operator, a circuit is provided from the conductor 25I through the contacts I95, the contacts RI5!) after they are closed by an energizing of relay RI5 through contacts RISd, and the winding of relay RI5 to the conductor 251. The normally open contacts BI 50'. are then held closed to maintain the solenoid I06 energized and prevent an operation of the escapement mechanism to advance the card. The normally closed contacts RI 5a are also held open so that the relays RI to RI2 cannot be energized to set up circuits for advancing interposers to punching positions.

It will be noted that contacts Rlc to RI2c are connected in a circuit with the commutator portion 330-150 to prevent a completion of this circuit during numerical or alphabetical punching. Contacts Rld to R911 (Fig. are connected in parallel with the contacts I69 and operate during numerical and alphabetical punching so that an energizing of the relay RI 5 can take place only through the contacts I69.

Alphabetic punching.-For purposes of explanation, it will be assumed that the key for the letter A is operated to eifect a punching of the card. It will be noted that the middle blade for the contacts I98 of the key A is connected to the RI2 relay and that a circuit is completed from the conductor 250 through the middle blade and the RI 2 relay to the conductor 251 when the A key is operated. The upper blade of the contacts I98 is connected to the relay RI, and this relay is energized by a circuit extending from the conductor 250 through the contacts I98, the upper blade, and the relay RI to the conductor 251. Contacts Rla and Rl2a are both closed to complete holding circuits through the relays RI and R l 2 I and the :contacts Rib and RI Zb are closed so-that therelay Ri3 is energized when the connection is made at .the 285-15 commutator. A holding circuit is established for the relay 'Ri3 by a closing of the contacts Rl3a, and circuits are provided for the interposer magnets Mi and MHZ by a closing of the relay contacts 'Ri3b. Interposers'for the magnets'Mi and MiZ are both moved .to positions to effect an operation'of the punch pins at the #1 and #12 index points by the cam I50. As the punch pins are moved toward the card, the contacts I69 and 110 are both closed to complete a circuit from the conductor=25l through the contacts I69, contacts I10, the'contacts'RHd and the relay R15 to the conductor 25.1. Energizing-of the relay .R151thenefiects a closing of the normally open contacts R I 5a for- ;maintainingthe solenoid l 06 energized until the :punch pins are-removed from the card, and an opening of the normally closed contacts Riiw fordeenergizing' the relays R-i, BIZ and RI3. The solenoid lflfi'is first energized "through the contactsRiSc the same as innumerical punching.

Punching from dup-Z2'cato1-.'To punch holes under the control of the duplicatin mechanism, aimaster card 2i i (Fig. 4) is arranged between are-held closed throughthepin 233 to establi a circuit from the-conductor 252 (Fig. 170) throu h-normally closed contacts Rita, the contacts 239 and-'thebrush magnet 224 for raising the brushes into enga ement with the lower side of the master card. The energizing of the relays -RitoRi2 and the interposers M! to MEZ then takes place through circuits which are e tablished on the sensing of-holes in the cards by the brushes. As shown in. Fig. 17b, the-contact member'z'ifiisconnectedthrough a brush 2E2, conductor -2"!3,-the conductor 26! and the contacts l2l'to the conductor When a hole is sen ed at one of "the index positions 1 to 12, a circuit i completed from the brush. 212 through the contact member 215, the brush 2%! sensing the hole, and the corresponding numbered relay R! .to R12 to the conductor 25?. vAn energizaticn of this'relay results in a completion of circuits for energizing theinterposer magnets and. the spacing solenoid in a manner similar to that describedabove in. connection with the operation .ofthe numerical and alphab-etic reys.

Spacing-by space ke1!.-,-Iiit is desired to ad-,

-vance the card'one space without punching, the bar 202 may be operated to close contacts 235 and complete 'a circuit from the conductor 255 throu h the contacts 2% (Fig. 17b) .aconductor 215. the-conductor2li and the spacing solenoid I96 tothe'conductor 251. The energizing of the solenoid H36 causes the stepping pawl 95 to be lifted so that it is advanced by the spring ii to a position-for engagement by the next tooth 89011 the rack i. Whenthe-bar is released, the solenoid 806 is deenergized to efiect a lifting of the holding pawl '98 and a dropping of the stepping pawl-SS ior'engagenient-with the next toothron the rack asit is advanced by the yielding means.

Automatic spacing when duplicating-Milieu punching is efiected by circuits which are established through thezsensing of holeszin a Inaster card, a-spacing of the cardrtakes place when .nohole is sensed; in aicolumn of-themaster card.

effect a closing of the contacts I21.

' :14 As the card is advanced itogposition one-pf its columnsv under the punch pins, the icontacts I21 are closed anda circuit is completed .from the conductor 25l through the contacts 12.! and a relay Rll (Fig. 17c) tothe conductor 25?. Relay contacts Rim (Fig. 1%) are then closed to-providea circuit which is controlled "by "the commutator portion 330 -A manually-operated switch 266 (Figs.-1;and 17b) is .connectedin this circuit and is moved to its closed position. The contacts'23l (Fig.4) .are also connected inthis circuit, and these contacts areclosed .sincethe magnet 224 is energized while duplicating. If a hole is sensed inthe card, then one ofthe relays R9 to R! Z "is energized and {its oontacts-Rl c :to

Rise are opened to prevent a circuit from being established through the commutator-330 -=:150. If no holeissensed vbeforesthe commutator -330-l50 reaches itsclosed position, a circuit is completed fromtheconductor 26! through the commutator,the contacts Ric to Rlllc, thecontacts Rite, the normally closed contacts-R110, the contacts R'l'ia, :the switch 266, the contacts 23! and the solenoid I96 to the conductor 251.

The solenoid I06 is then energized, as indicated in Fig. 16 under automatic spacing, simultaneously with the closing of the circuit bythe-com-mutator 3309-1508 This resultsin a lifting ;of the stepping pawl and an opening of. the contacts- ,I 21 .225 laterto break the circuit throughatherelay R H; The solenoid. Hi6 is deenergized when .its circuit isbroken by the commutator.330-15'0; and the contacts Rilain this circuitzopen 40 after thecontacts 127 open. Upona deenergizingof the solenoid, the escapement mechanism operates to advance the card to the .next'column and These contacts close 240 after the solenoid is deenergized and complete thecircuit through therelay RI! which picks up-70 later. The. closing of the contacts i2! takes place inthesecond cycle 60 after a connection *ismade. between the brushes it punches.

Skipping .from punched locrdefiskippinggtakes placewhen there is va-hole in thevmastercard at'the #11 index position. As thehole 'is sensed by the brush 2!], the relay RH iss-energized to pick up its contacts, and the relay RI3 is-energized in the normal manner. In addition, a skip relay RM (Fig. 17c) is energized'by-acircuitdrom the conductor 25:! through the. contacts I21, the conductor 26L the commutator 330150, "the contacts Ric to Ri2c, the normally open contacts R'l lo, a conductor 278 and the relay'RM to the conductor 25?. Contacts RI M (Fig. are closed 70 after contact is made through the commutator'and establish another circuit for energizing the pick-up coil of the skip relay, this circuit extending from the conductor 25i through the contacts Rid to RIM, the normally open the pick-up coil ofRMenergized after the comutato 3 9e 0. moves to its v. open;position.

The space solenoid I05 is energized the same as in punching, and it lifts the stepping pawl and effects an opening of the contacts 52? 225 later. Contacts Ri lb (Fig. 170) close after the relay RIE is energized and complete a circuit from the conductor 25! through the contacts Ri ib and the skip solenoid Hi4 (Fig. 5) to the conductor 25? for moving the skip lifter iSI over the skip bar to a position for holding the stepping pawl raised. Connected in parallel with the skip solenoid is a circuit including normally closed contacts RI'io and a holding coil for the relay RI l. Since relay RII is connected in a circuit with the contacts I21, this relay will be deenergized upon the opening of these contacts and efiect a closing of the contacts Bill: for energizing the holding coil of the relay RM.

The interposer magnet MM is picked up as in numerical and alphabetic punching to effect actuation of the #11 punch pin. As this pin is moved. toward the card, the contacts ITO (Fig. 170) are closed to complete the circuit from the conductor 25! through the contacts Rid to R941, the contacts I10, the contacts RIM. and the pick-up winding Bi 5? to the conductor 25?. The normally closed contacts Rita are opened to deenergize the relays RH and Rid. The normally open contacts Rita are closed to hold the space solenoid energized until the punch pin is removed from the card, but these contacts are then opened because the relay RI 5 is deenergized by the opening of contacts RIM. The contacts RI3c open so that the space solenoid remains deenergized. Deenergizing of the relay RH results in a moving of the contacts Ri Id to a position for breaking the circuit through the contacts RIM and the relay winding Ri lP, and the relay RM is held up only by the circuit including the contacts Rl'ib. The deenergizing of the space solenoid results in a lifting of the holding pawl, and the stepping pawl is held in its raised position by the skip lifter. The rack I then advances until a low portion of the skip bar comes in line with the skip lifter, permitting the latter to dropso that the stepping pawl engages the rack I. The contacts I2? then close and energize the relay RN to open the contacts RI?!) and break the circuit through the winding Rl lI-I for returning the system to normal.

Skipping from skip key.lf it is desired to cause skipping when operating from the keys I80,

the skip key Hits (Fig. 17b) is operated to complete two circuits, one leading from the middle blade of the contacts I93 for this skip key through the conductors 275, 21!, and the space solenoid Hi6 to the conductor 251, and the second leading from the upper blade through a conductor 28!! and the relay winding RM to the conductor 25?. The space solenoid picks up the stepping pawl and opens the contacts I2? to deenergize the relay RH and efiect a closing of the contacts Rllb for establishing a holding circuit through the winding Ri iH. The skip solenoid I34 is energized through the contacts EMU and moves the skip lifter I3! to a position for holding the stepping pawl raised. When the skip key is released, the space solenoid is deenergized and the holding pawl is lifted so that the card rack advances until a low point on the skip bar comes under the skip lifter.

Release key operation-To advance the rack I so that the last column of the card is positioned under the punch pins, the release key 190R (Fig. 17c) is operated to complete a circuit from the conductor 25I through conductors 282, 283, 284,

2H and the space solenoid I06 to the conductor 25?. Another circuit is completed at the same time from the conductor 233 through the release solenoid M6 (Fig. 5) to the conductor 2%. The energizing of the space solenoid lifts the stepping pawl, and the energizing of the release solenoid Mi: causes the member I38 to be moved over the guide plate I35 to a position for holding the stepping pawl raised. When the key I9IJR is released, the space solenoid is deenergized and the rack advances to the last column position. As this position is reached, a portion 286 (Fig. 5) of the bracket supporting the card pusher errgages a depending portion of the member I38 and moves it to a position permitting the stepping pawl to engage the rack again.

Ejection by eject switch.At times it is desirable to eject the card as soon as punching is completed in the next to the last column on the card. To accomplish this, a switch 2 87 (Figs. 1 and is closed so that the closing of the last column contacts 2% (Fig. 15) upon movement of the card to its last column position completes a circuit from the conductor 252 through the contacts 246, the switch 28! and an eject relay RIEP to the conductor 25?. The normally open contacts RIEa are then closed to complete a circuit through the eject solenoid I8 (Fig. 2) for effecting a movement of the rollers it into engagement with the card to advance it to the hopper 2|. Contacts RIEb are closed to establish a holding circuit from the conductor 252 through contacts RiIc, contacts Rlfib and the winding RIBI-l to the conductor 257. Contacts RI6c are closed to energize the trip magnet 50 through a circuit from the conductor 252 through the last column contacts 2%, the contacts RIBc, the trip magnet 53, and the brush contacts 239 (Fig. 4) to the conductor 257. The contacts 235) are closed only when the reading brushes 2!! are lowered and prevent movement of the rack I in a direction to receive another card While the brushes are raised. Energizing of the trip magnet 58 releases the dog 65 (Fig. 6) for engagement with the ratchet 43 to return the rack I to its card receiving position. As soon as the rack moves out of the last column position, the contacts 246 open and deenergize the trip magnet 55 and the winding RIBP of the eject relay. The armature 5| of the trip magnet then moves to a position to engage the end of the dog 35 after one rotation of the ratchet G3 is completed for breaking the drive connection to the motor 2. Energizing of the trip magnet 59 also effects an opening of the contacts H so that the relay R57 is deenergized and its contacts RI'Ic are closed to maintain the holding circuit for the eject relay winding RIISH. As the rack I is returned, the stepping pawl is held in a position for opening the contacts i2]. When the rack is full returned, the stepping pawl engages the rack teeth 99 and is moved by the latter to a position for closing the contacts I21. The latch contacts H are closed at approximately the same time by the finger I8, and the relay RH is then energized to open the contacts Ella and break the holding circuit for the relay BIS.

Ejection after punching in last coZumnTo eject the card after punching in its last column, the switch 281 is opened and a switch 288 (Figs. 1 and 170) is closed. As the punching operation in the last column is completed, the relay RI5 picks up as described above, and the relay contacts RI5c (Fig. 170) are closed. The last column contacts 246 were closed as soon as the card was moved to a position for punching in its last column, and the closing of the contacts Rite completed a holding circuit from the conductor-252 through the contacts 2 36, the contacts RI 5c and the winding RliiH to the conductor 25?. Another circuit is established through the contacts Rliic, the switch 288 and the eject relay pick-up winding RHSP. The contacts controlled by the relay Bit are then picked up to energize the eject solenoid l3 and the trip magnet 56, as described above.

Ejection from stacker keyWith the switches 23'5" and 288 open, ejection of the card from its last column position must be accomplished by operating the stacker key lfifiT (Figs. 1 and 170) to complete a circuit from the last column contacts 2% through contacts 259 and the pickup winding RESP of the eject relay. This relay then picks up its contacts to energize the eject solenoid i3 and the trip magnet 5t, as described above.

While there have been shown and described and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the apparatus illustrated and in its operation may be made by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is the intention,

therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a card punching machine, a set of punches, means for actuating said punches including a continuously rotating cam, pins reciprocably supported in positions to be acted upon by said cam, means for yieldingly holding said pins in engagement with said cam, elements movable to positions between said pins and said punches for transmitting motion to the latter from said pins, electrically operated means for moving said elements selectively to positions between said pins and said punches, and means including a commutator rotating with said cam for controlling the energizing of said electrically operated means.

2. The invention set forth in claim 1 in which the mass of each of said pins and the stiffness coefficient of its yieldable holding means gives to the pin a natural frequency greater than the rotational speed of the cam by such an amount that the pin remains in continuous engagement with the cam.

3. In a card punching machine, a set of punches, means for actuating said punches including a continuously rotating cam, pins reciprocably supported in positions to be acted upon by said cam, means for yieldingly holding said pins in engagement with said cam, elements movable to positions between said pins and said punches for transmitting motion of the pins in one direction to said punches, means fixed to said punches and operatively engaging said cam for moving the punches in the opposite direction, electrically operated means for moving said elements selectively to positions between said pins and said punches, and means including a commutator rotating with said cam for controlling the energizing of said electrically operated means.

4. In a card punching machine, a punch pin, means operable for positioning a card step-bystep so as to present different points thereon successively to said punch pin, an interposer movable to a position for effecting operation of said punch pin, means including a continuously rotating cam for actuating said punch pin through said interposer when the latter is moved to its pin operating position, means for moving said interposer to its pin operating position, means operating in synchronism with said cam for controlling said interposer moving means, and means connected to said punch pin and operable on predetermined movement of the latter for efiecting an operation of said card positioning means to advance the card one step.

5. In a card punching machine, a punch pin, an escapement mechanism operable for advancing a card step-by-step under said punch pin, a solenoid connected to said escapement mechanism and operable when energized and deepergized to actuate said e'scapement mechanism for advancing the card one step, an interposer .mov abie to a position for effecting operation of said punchpin, means including a continuously rotatingcam for actuating said punch pin through said interposer when the latter is moved to its pin operating position, means for moving said interposer to its pin operating position, means including a commutator rotating with said cam for controlling said interposer moving means, a

circuit including a pair of normally open contacts for controlling the energizing of said solenoid, and means connected to said punch pin and operating on predetermined movement of the latter in a punching direction for closing said contacts.

6. In a card punching machine, a punch pin, means operable for positioning a card step-by-step so as to present different points thereon successively to said punch pin, an interposer movable to a position for effecting operation of said punch pin, means including a continuously operating member adapted to actuate said punch pin through said interposer when the latter is moved to its pin operating position, electrically operated means for moving said interposer to its pin operating position, means including a solenoid which is operable when both energized and deenergized for effecting an actuation of said card positioning means to advance the card one step, a relay having separate contacts for controlling the energizing of said electrically operated means and said solenoid, means operating in synchronism with said member for effecting an energizing of said relay, and means connected to said punch pin and operable 0n predetermined movement of the latter for effecting a deenergizing of said relay.

'7. A machine for punching holes in one card in response to the sensing of holes in a second card comprising, in combination, a carriage for supporting both of said cards, a punch pin arranged to punch holes in said one card as said carriage is advanced, an interposer movable to a position for efi'ecting operation of said punch pin, means including a continuously operating member adapted to actuate said punch pin through said interposer when the latter is moved to its pin operating position, electrically operated means for moving said interposer to its pin operating position, means for sensing holes in said second card as said carriage is advanced, means including a solenoid for advancing said carriage step by step so as to position said cards relative to said punch pin and said sensing means, means including a commutator operating in synchronism with said member for efiecting an energizing of said electrically operated means and said solenoid when a hole is sensed in said second card, and

a second commutator operating in synchronism with said member and effecting an energizing of said solenoid alone when no hole is sensed in said second card.

8. In a card punching machine, a set of punches, elements movable into operative engagement with said punches, means including a continuously operating member adapted to actuate said punches through said elements when the latter are in operative engagement with said punches, electrically operated means for moving said elements selectively into operative engagement with said punches, and means for controlling the energizing of said electrically operated means, said last mentioned means including a commutator connected to said member for operation in synchronism therewith.

GUSTAV V. A. MALMROS. EDMUND A. BARBER, JR. JOHN R. ENGSTROM.

20 REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

